IMO container weight discussions

The European Shippers’ Council (ESC), the European and international Freight Forwarders associations (FIATA and CLECAT) and the European representation of maritime terminals and stevedores (FEPORT) have considered with interest the proposals which will be up for discussion at the International Maritime Organisation (DSC 18).

The safety of those involved in the supply chain is of paramount importance to these associations; a focus on best practice which results in improved safety in the chain should reflect equally positively on the level of performance and productivity in the chain. However, the proposed container weight verification requirement is in the view of the associations ineffective.

The associations believe that additional legislation will not have any significant effect on container safety in transport overseas. Instead the organisations believe that the need for weighing should be based on a proper risk analysis of the quality of the data transferred between shipping lines, shippers and customs authorities.